Wednesday, March 25, 2009

As a Catholic, I am deeply disappointed by the knee-jerk opposition to Notre Dame’s decision to confer an honorary degree on President Obama and invite him to give the 2009 commencement address. President Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame will be nothing short of an honor for all Catholics.

He then lays out that "partisan operatives" are "leading the charge". Who are these partisans? Newt Gingrinch and the Cardinal Newman Society are the only names mentioned.

I had noticed that the Cardinal Newman Society and (as of this writing) about 140,000 individuals who signed their petition have been leading the charge. But Newt Gingrich? Yes. According to a footnote on the post, Gingrich twittered about it today. That's taking the bull by the horns. Way to lead the charge.

No mention is made of any reaction by Bishop D'Arcy. So according to Catholics United, a one-line twitter by a retired Republican Congressman is evidence of a partisan conspiracy.

But when Notre Dame's own bishop says he'll skip commencement and suggests the University is seeking prestige over truth - It's not even worth mentioning.

Whatever fits the storyline.

UPDATE: The Cardinal Newman Society petition opposing an honorary law degree for President Obama now has 150,000 names. Sign it yourself here. The site also has instructions for inviting friends to sign. For a great rundown of other reactions, including Fr. Reese, Carl Olson, Fr. Robert Barron and Amy Welborn, visit Amy's new site at Via Media.